Shoreline Restoration Projects

Veltus Park and Three Mile Shoreline Restoration ProjectThe goal of these two projects is to construct riparian design elements to protect and improve the shorelines that had been receding from erosion as well as improve and protect the facility elements that service users of Veltus Park and the Three Mile Creek Confluence on the Roaring Fork river bank. The projects will also improve river access and beautify the shorelines at both locations.

Veltus Park

The Veltus Park shoreline restoration project began in August 2018 and was completed in October 2018.

Three Mile Creek

The City of Glenwood Springs has selected Wright Water Engineering to partner with for development of a comprehensive plan and design for the Three Mile Creek Confluence area with the Roaring Fork River adjacent to the Atkinson Trail. The area is heavily used, debris-ridden, and severely degraded due to related recreational use and pedestrian traffic to the area. A significant need exists for a comprehensive planning and design of necessary improvements to accommodate the heavy, multi-recreational use from anglers, pedestrians, beachgoers, rafters, etc. and identify necessary improvements for access and recreational use, bank re-grading, invasive species removal, trail expansion, and improve storm water management.

City implemented erosion control measures at the site this past fall to address erosion issues that caused a loss of streamside buffers, leading to reduced nutrient filtering, bank destabilization, increased soil and land loss, poor moderation of water temperature (which helps to dissolve oxygen necessary for fish health), and depletion of terrestrial wildlife habitat and corridors of movements. However, there is a significant need for a comprehensive planning and design of necessary improvements to accommodate the heavy, multi-recreational use from anglers, pedestrians, beachgoers, rafters, etc. and limit future erosion/water quality related issues, identify necessary bank re-grading, invasive species removal, and rock/recreational equipment placement necessary to stabilize the steep and eroded river banks, and improve storm water management. A known minor drainage issue exists within the project area the City will also address.

The City has received $55,000 in grant funding from the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers program. With the critical erosion protection in place this plan will now look at the 3 Mile Park area and identify needs for river, trail and park users as well as protection of the natural landscape and design improvements based on community input and recommendations.